Have you noticed some kind of dirty exterior surface at your Rogers, AR property? Whether you need to clean a driveway, a parking lot, an outside wall, or any other kind of surface, there are a few things you’ll need to do before you try to wash them. Namely, you’ll have to determine the right technique for the process. Which leads us to today’s topic. Pressure washing vs. soft washing—which is the right choice for your project?
Compare these two techniques with Pristine Clean Exteriors. We are a local exterior cleaning company that specializes in pressure and soft washing alike. Rely on us to teach you about both these techniques in the sections below.
Why Pressure and Soft Washing Are Necessary
What sets pressure washing vs. soft washing apart? Before we answer that question, it’s important to understand what makes exterior cleaning in general so important. If you were to avoid cleaning exterior surfaces altogether, what would happen? The short answer is: nothing good. Over time, these surfaces will become dirtier and dirtier, eventually resulting in your property losing its visual appeal. This is frustrating for homeowners and catastrophic for business owners who rely on good looks to draw in customers.
In addition to reduced curb appeal, skipping exterior cleaning can result in surface damage. This is because particles of debris accumulate on surfaces and grind against them over time. At first, this damage won’t be noticeable; eventually, though, it will manifest as visible, obvious harm. Repairing this damage isn’t cheap, so do what you can to prevent it—schedule exterior cleaning and reap the benefits!
We recommend cleaning your home’s exterior at least once per year. But which technique should you use during this work? Keep reading to discover the differences between pressure washing vs. soft washing for yourself.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Let’s start our pressure washing vs. soft washing comparison. What is pressure washing? This exterior cleaning technique uses high-pressure water to remove grime from surfaces. Why high-pressure water? Because it’s so powerful that it is able to rinse away stubborn debris with ease. Deep-seated debris that otherwise wouldn’t wash away is disturbed and removed by high-pressure water with little trouble.
Pressure washing is trusted by property owners not just throughout the Rogers, AR area but all throughout the world. However, in some scenarios, pressure washing isn’t the best choice for your project. More on that below.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a similar yet distinct technique from pressure washing. So, what exactly makes it different? The answer is the amount of water pressure used. Pressure washing uses as much as 3,500 PSI to restore exterior surfaces; on the other hand, soft washing typically stays below 1,000. This makes it a safer technique for cleaning delicate surfaces. If pressure washing isn’t an option, soft washing is the next best choice.
It’s important to understand whether pressure washing vs. soft washing is the right choice for your project. The wrong choice could result in lackluster results, or even worse, property damage—which you obviously don’t want!
What Surfaces Should Be Pressure Washed?
Projects that require pressure washing include those involving durable, tougher surfaces. These surfaces are strong enough to withstand higher levels of water pressure. We’ve included a list of surfaces you can pressure wash, as well as how much water pressure to use, below. Most pressure washers have an adjustable dial that lets you select a water pressure level of your choice.
- Wood Decks: 1,500–2,000 PSI
- Brick: 2,000–3,000 PSI
- Pavers: 2,500–3,000 PSI
- Concrete: 2,500–3,000 PSI
- Driveways: 2,500–3,500 PSI
What Surfaces Should Be Soft Washed?
On the other hand, surfaces that are more delicate and cannot be safely pressure washed will need to be soft washed. This includes the following surfaces:
- Roof Shingles: 100–500 PSI
- Stucco: 500–1,000 PSI
- Painted Wood: 500–1,000 PSI
- Vinyl Siding: 500–1,000 PSI
- Solar Panels: 500–1,000 PSI
- Exterior Windows: 500–1,000 PSI
Pressure washing can damage these surfaces, so always double-check the amount of water pressure you’ve selected before spraying them. Remember: soft washing stays within the range of 100 to 1,000 PSI.
Using Cleaning Solutions During Soft Washing
If soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing, that means it’s a less effective technique for cleaning surfaces, right? This would be true if it were not for helpful cleaning solutions. These chemicals are used to break down tough grime; that way, even soft washing techniques can be used to remove all debris.
At Pristine Clean Exteriors, our preferred cleaning solution is sodium hypochlorite. We begin by applying a thin layer of this chemical to the surfaces that need to be cleaned. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for stubborn debris to be broken down. Finally, we soft wash the area and eliminate all grime. This end result: surfaces that are perfectly clean!
DIY or Professional Cleaning Services?
So, you’ve discovered the differences between pressure washing vs. soft washing. You’ve learned which technique is appropriate for which job. Now, there is another question to answer: should you try to do this work on your own, or is it better to schedule an appointment with a team of experts?
It’s difficult to learn how to clean surfaces by yourself. You’ll have to purchase the right equipment, figure out how to use it, and invest a day of free time into exterior cleaning. This will leave you physically exhausted and perhaps even frustrated. For the easy path to a clean home exterior, consider professional services from Pristine Clean Exteriors! We’re your local pressure washers, and we would love to lend you a hand.
To get started, contact us online and let us know about your project. We’ll decide between pressure washing vs. soft washing so you don’t have to make a difficult choice. Then, we’ll provide you with a free cost estimate for your convenience. Like our price? Choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will see you shortly!
